Gathering for prayer in a unified effort National Day brings community to Battell Center

May 09, 2006|LAUREEN FAGAN Tribune Staff Writer

Dozens of people gathered in the Battell Center auditorium in Mishawaka to participate in the National Day of Prayer on Thursday. With a wide range of community leaders on hand, the noon service began with the "America, Honor God" video, offering music and a visual presentation of American life. People playing basketball, community fireworks, the military, people praying -- a visual feast offered before the prayers and hymns at home. "We join communities all across the world," said Mayor Jeff Rea, offering a welcoming prayer. "You can pray for me and pray for all of us, trying to do good work here in Mishawaka," he said, explaining that people ask all the time what they can do to help. Pray, he said. Charlie Coy, president of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, took the podium to lead the group in a prayer of repentance. "I believe it truly is a time of repentance," Coy said, recounting many of the setbacks America has faced in recent years, including Sept. 11. After the group sang "How Great Thou Art," Rev. Larry Whitehead, of First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka, led a prayer for churches. It was his hope that as the church "with one voice, we might offer Your light in the dark corners of the world." David Daye, youth pastor of Trinity Evangelical Free Church, offered prayer for families. Jan Jagerman, of the National Day of Prayer Committee, prayed for schools. "Remove hopelessness from our students, Lord," prayed Jagerman, who taught for 17 years at Mishawaka High School. Kathy Cornelis, of South Bend, was on hand to hear an a cappella version of "The Reconciliation Song" offered by Neil Andrews, of Trinity. "I've come for the past several years," said Cornelis, a member of Little Flower Catholic Church. "It's just on my heart to be here," she said, adding that the most important part of a day of prayer was coming together in unity. Two rows in front of her sat Gerald Menting, who came all the way from Lakeville for the meeting. "I came for the prayer time," said Menting, dressed in his Christian Motorcycle Association leather. "A friend of mine is also doing one of the prayers, and I came out to support (Coy), too," he explained. The National Day of Prayer service ended with prayers for business, mass media, the military and law enforcement.Staff writer Laureen Fagan: lfagan@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6344